Chambers USA Ranks Goldberg Segalla Employment and Labor, Commercial Litigation, and Insurance Practices in 2022
The 2022 edition of Chambers USA, the annual guidebook to the best lawyers and law firms in the U.S., saw top placement and individual recognitions for Goldberg Segalla’s Employment and Labor, Commercial Litigation and Arbitration, and Global Insurance Services practices, along with outstanding individual lawyers throughout the firm.
EMPLOYMENT AND LABOR
Upstate New York
Goldberg Segalla earned a Band 2 ranking for Labor and Employment in Upstate New York. The firm’s Upstate New York Employment and Labor practice is a “respected practice group known for its representation of municipalities across upstate New York, handling day-to-day employment counseling, litigation, and traditional labor services,” Chambers noted. The group “exhibits strengths in a number of areas, from dismissal challenges to a diverse range of discrimination claims as well as handling labor relations, including employment contracts, collective bargaining, and pension fund negotiations,” and “offers additional expertise in the policing and healthcare sectors as well as counseling school districts.”
The ranking highlighted the firm’s representation of Town of Orchard Park, New York, in a trial involving charges of improper practice and violations of the Taylor Law. One client noted in the ranking that Goldberg Segalla attorneys “have a broad general knowledge that brings complete confidence to the client,” and “are up to the minute with legal knowledge and advice, and understand the legal and practical considerations and impact.”
A few upstate New York-based leaders in Goldberg Segalla’s Employment and Labor practice also earned recognition among the guide’s rankings of individual attorneys.
Sean P. Beiter (Band 1) was identified by his peers as “practical and intellectually gifted, a combination that makes for rock solid legal counsel that solves the problem at hand.” Chambers calls out his traditional employment law work as well as union-related matters such as handling collective bargaining agreements and disciplinary proceedings involving police departments.
Kristin Klein Wheaton (Band 2) was recognized for advising a “wide range of employers on matters including discrimination and harassment claims.” Her clients say “Kristin always sees the big picture. That is coupled with a 360-degree vision, which comes from a wealth of experience in the field and informs excellent advice.”
New York
Manhattan-based partner Jacqueline K. Siegel once again earned recognition on the New York Labor and Employment list for “Up and Coming” attorneys. She is noted for providing “consistently excellent service, advice and results on employment matters,” and “Her understanding of the business environment and the applicable state and federal administrative agencies has enabled us to achieve results.”
California
Goldberg Segalla also received a Band 1 “Highly Regarded” ranking for Labor and Employment in California. The firm’s California Employment and Labor practice is noted for its “adroit handling of contentious and advisory labor and employment mandates,” Chambers writes. “Particularly well versed in handling sexual harassment and discrimination investigations and lawsuits, and also noted for its expertise in wage and hour matters. Advises clients in the media and entertainment, leisure and professional services industries, among others.”
COMMERCIAL LITIGATION
For the eighth consecutive year, Goldberg Segalla ranks among the preeminent law firms in the General Commercial Litigation category for Upstate New York in Chambers USA, placing in Band 3.
A “large commercial litigation team with experience across a breadth of contentious business matters,” Chambers noted the firm’s upstate Commercial Litigation practice for “specialist advice [ranging] from day-to-day and regulatory guidance to litigation derived from multijurisdictional transactions, with notable expertise in shareholder litigation, class actions and intellectual property disputes.” Chambers said the firm is “well placed to represent clients from a broad range of industries and sectors, including financial services, construction, retail, and energy” as well as in “the sports and entertainment sphere.”
Clients had high praise to share with Chambers: “The firm has a very practical, roll-up-your-sleeves and just a ‘get it done’ attitude, and gives me advice along the way on what the best options should be. It’s nice to have people who know the law, work well with people and write well.”
In addition, Chair Christopher J. Belter was ranked in Band 3 for individual attorneys. Chris was highlighted for being “very matter of fact, not emotional, and concisely conveys his arguments” and “incredibly easy to get along with.” according to one client. Chambers noted his “in-depth expertise in contentious construction matters, alongside wider strengths in securities litigation and energy disputes.”
INSURANCE
Philadelphia-based partner Michael A. Hamilton earned recognition in Band 3 for Chambers USA’s Pennsylvania Insurance directory. The guide noted his “vast experience in insurance coverage claims, liability issues and commercial litigation, as well as in appellate work.” One client noted, “Michael is a very good coverage lawyer who thinks, analyzes and writes well.”